Description

How Soma (Carisoprodol) tablet works?

The exact mechanism of action of carisoprodol is not known but it acts on the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord that helps to reduce pain and causes muscles to relax.

 

What do you need to know before taking Soma (Carisoprodol) tablets?

Take soma tablets exactly as prescribed your doctor or told by your pharmacist. Do not take this medicine

• If you are allergic to carisoprodol
• If you have severe renal or hepatic problems
• If you are suffering with or have a history of f acute intermittent porphyria
• If you have a history of drug abuse or alcohol consumption
• If you are using some other CNS depressants

Effect on ability to drive or operating machines

Soma (Carisoprodol) causes sedation and hence impairs your mental and physical abilities. Therefore do not drive or operate machines if you are taking soma tablets unless you become aware that how your body is responding to this treatment.

 

Drug drug interaction

Soma (Carisoprodol) tablets are note recommended if you are already on a therapy with other CNS depressants as both medicines cause sedation that can be addictive.

The concomitant use of soma (carisoprodol) with one of its metabolite called meprobamate is not recommended.

 

Use in pregnancy, lactation or fertility

If you are pregnant, lactating mother or planning to have a baby you must consult your doctor before taking this medicine.

Animal data show that this medication can cross the placenta and hence can affect fetal growth. This medicine can also excrete in breast milk of human thus can effect infant feeding due to sedation or less production of milk.

 

Renal and hepatic impairment

If you are suffering with renal or hepatic illness you must consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine as you might need a dose reduction because carisoprodol is metabolized by liver and excreted by kidneys.

How to take Soma (carisoprodol) tablets?

Take this medicine orally with water. Do not use alcohol with this medicine.

Dosage: 250mg to 350mg three times a day of soma (carisoprodol) tablet is recommended. As this medicine causes sedation so it is recommended to take at bed time.

If you take more Soma (carisoprodol) tablets than you should

If you have mistakenly taken an overdose of soma (carisoprodol) tablets i.e., more than your doctor has prescribed you, seek medical help immediately, either by calling your doctor, or going to the nearest hospital as over dosage causes severe side effects e.g; you may experience seizures with overdose of carisoprodol.

You may also experience hallucinations, blurred vision, euphoria, ataxia, hypotension, headache, coma etc with overdose of soma (carisoprodol) tablets.

If you forget to take Soma (carisoprodol) tablets

If you have forgotten to take your scheduled dose of soma (carisoprodol), do not take a double dose in order to make up your missed dose. You should take it as soon as you remember it or simply take your next scheduled dose at its right time.

If you want to stop taking Soma (carisoprodol) tablets

If you want to stop taking this medicine as you feeling better than a dose tapering (gradual dose reduction) of 14 days is required as this medication causes dependency/ addiction. The abrupt cassation of soma tablets causes withdrawal effects. The treatment must not prolong 2-3 weeks including period of dose tapering.

Side effects

Most common side effects associated with use of soma (carisoprodol) tablets are drowsiness, dizziness and headache.

 

How to store soma (carisoprodol) tablets?

Soma (carisoprodol) tablets should be stored at controlled room temperature below 25^oC, protect from heat, light and moisture. It must be stored safely at a place where children cannot see or reach them.

Do not take soma (carisoprodol) tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the carton or blister strip. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month.

Reference Links:

1 )  https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/nda/2007/011792Orig1s041.pdf

2 ) https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/referrals/carisoprodol

 

Food Interaction

The sedative effects of SOMA and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive. Therefore, caution should be exercised with patients who take more than one of these CNS depressants simultaneously. Concomitant use of SOMA and meprobamate, a metabolite of SOMA, is not recommended [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Alcohol Interaction

The sedative effects of SOMA and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive. Therefore, caution should be exercised with patients who take more than one of these CNS depressants simultaneously. Concomitant use of SOMA and meprobamate, a metabolite of SOMA, is not recommended [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Pragnancy Interaction

The sedative effects of SOMA and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive. Therefore, caution should be exercised with patients who take more than one of these CNS depressants simultaneously. Concomitant use of SOMA and meprobamate, a metabolite of SOMA, is not recommended [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Lactation Interaction

The sedative effects of SOMA and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive. Therefore, caution should be exercised with patients who take more than one of these CNS depressants simultaneously. Concomitant use of SOMA and meprobamate, a metabolite of SOMA, is not recommended [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Medicine Interaction

The sedative effects of SOMA and other CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, tricyclic antidepressants) may be additive. Therefore, caution should be exercised with patients who take more than one of these CNS depressants simultaneously. Concomitant use of SOMA and meprobamate, a metabolite of SOMA, is not recommended [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Faq for Medicine

SOMA is indicated for the relief of discomfort associated with acute, painful musculoskeletal conditions in adults.

Expert Advice

Dosage

The recommended dose of SOMA is 250 mg to 350 mg three times a day and at bedtime. The recommended maximum duration of SOMA use is up to two or three weeks